Process for splitting granite, marble, and other rocks



y 2 1929. J.. BO TH ET AL 1.119.257

PROCESS FOR SPLITTING GRANITE, MARBLE, AND OTHER ROCKS Filed May 17, 1926 INVENTORS,

Y QQMJM W, A TTORNEYJ,

Patented July 2, 1929. Q

UNITED STATES JOHN C. BOOTH AND SHERMAN S.

PATENT OFFICE.

SHARPLCES, OF BARBIE, VERMONT.

PROCESS FOB. SPLITTING GRANITE, MARBLE, AND OTHER ROCKS.

Application filed May 17,

The invention is directed broadly to a process of splitting granite, marble or other rocks, which consists in drilling a series of relatively small holes in the plane of de sired cleavage, which holes are spaced from each other and extend well into the block which it is desired to split. The depth and size of the holes will vary according to the thickness of the block which itis desired to split. A series of holes are indicated at 1, 2 and 3 in the drawings. In each hole is placed an electric unit A, which may be of any well known type. This heating unit fits loosely within the hole, and all of the heating units are connected by conductors to a source of electric current, so that the units may be simultaneously heated and maintained heated until the splitting of the 1926. Serial No. 109,803.

rock is brought about. The heat from the electric units is, of course, transmitted to the rock, and by concentrating the heat at the units and spacing the same in the plane of desired cleavage, we are able to bring about the splitting of the rock very quickly and in a very efficient manner.

\Vhat we claim as new is The process of splitting granite and similar rock along definite surfaces of cleavage whereby to prepare blocks of predetermined size. and shape, which consists in forming a series of relatively small holes spaced from one another and lying in the desired surface of cleavage, said holes being extended well into the rock, inserting in each hole an elec- 0 tric heating unit and simultaneously heating said units and maintaining the same heated until cleavage of the rock is obtained.

In testimony whereof we al'liX our signatures this 8th day of May, A. DJ 1926.

JOHN C. BOOTH. SHERMAN S. SHARPLES. 

